BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE pockets of civil servants of the Federation would be a bit fuller when this month’s pay date rolls around, as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has announced that a double salary would be paid.
He made the announcement earlier today (Dec. 9) in the National Assembly while delivering the 2015 Budget Address.
The Prime Minister prefaced the announcement by making mention of a recent 10 percent pay increase for civil servants which began earlier this year and is slated to continue in 2015. He said this month’s double salary is an expression of the Government’s appreciation to them for their dedication and push towards its success in goal achievement.
“…when it comes to the civil servants, I am not yet finished. We believe that many civil servants have been called to serve above and beyond the call of regular duty…Our public servants have been working hard, collectively. The level of performance has been high and in large measure has assisted the Government to attain the resounding success story now reflected in our records. And so as a demonstration of our gratitude, we have listened very carefully to what is being said.”
He gave a brief teaser before making the announcement, suggesting that triple salary might have been paid. However, as he explained, acting on advice, Cabinet decided that only the double would be paid.
“What shall we do with regard for the salaries in December of 2014 for our public servants? What shall we do? Should it be the regular salary? Will it be a double salary? Some people say double out of style. Should it be a triple salary?
But I have listened to the Premier of Nevis, the caution against going too high…And so yesterday my Cabinet took the decision that it shall be a double salary in December…We would have liked to do more, but we have been cautioned that we should take it easy.”
The Finance Minister said the increment would “put more money in the pockets of our public servants…boost morale and provide an added stimulus to the economy…”
As a word of advice and caution however, Dr. Douglas suggested to civil servants that rather than spending the entire sum, a portion should be set aside for investment purposes.
“While it might be very tempting to spend all that you receive however, I want to encourage you to save a portion for investment in your own future and that of your children and families my dear public servants.”
The last double salary was paid in September 2013 and prior to that, December 2009.
